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| The Maritime
Patrol Mission System fitted in the ATR 42MP was designed, developed
and manufactured by Alenia Difesa. The core sensor is a long-range, 360-degree search and track radar with both synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and inverse SAR capability. The radar is augmented by an infrared sensor and high-resolution video camera. The system also has an electronic support measures capability in being able to track several emitters and being able to analyze radar emissions. The modular system integrates all the sensors aboard the aircraft to provide a tactical display on a single multifunction screen in front of each of the two operators, who can select their displays independently. A smaller tactical picture can be displayed to the pilot on a 10-inch monitor in the cockpit. The smaller screen on the center console can display close-up images of ships or other targets from selected sensors such as low-light TV. A datalink with a groundstation enables the airplane's mission to be changed or replanned in flight on command from the ground, and the pilot can approve the new profile after reviewing it on his cockpit monitor. The system features rugged workstations and joystick controllers as well as keyboards. The ATR 42MP retains its weather radar in the nose, providing an extra element of reliability and redundancy. |
ATR and Alenia See Growing Need for Armed Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Asian Aerospace 2000 -- ATR and Alenia are hoping to expand the market for the ATR 42MP Surveyor sea surveillance aircraft into the Far East, and are promoting the aircraft's virtues here at Asian Aerospace 2000.
Italy is the only country so far to have bought the ATR 42MP, which uses an integrated sensor suite developed and manufactured by Alenia Difesa. Italy's defense ministry operates two aircraft that are armed with a fixed, forward-facing gun mounted in the landing gear pod on the port side. The Italian Coast Guard operates an additional, unarmed maritime patrol ATR 42, and has an option for a second aircraft.
Malaysia and India are seen as possible customers for the ATR 42MP, as both have ongoing requirements for maritime patrol and coastal surveillance. The Philippine Air Force is currently evaluating the ATR 42MP for its requirement for four to six aircraft. A decision could be made shortly.
Main competitors for the ATR 42MP are the de Havilland Dash 8 Triton and the CASA CN-235MPA.
Some preliminary thought has gone into a larger surveillance system based on the ATR 72 aircraft. However, that analysis so far has only been very rough and a program launch isn't expected anytime soon.
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